Governor Umo Eno’s Compensation Efforts for PDP Members in Essien Udim Amid Controversial Election Outcome
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has taken significant steps to appease members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Essien Udim Local Government Area, following a contentious local election in which the PDP candidates feel they were unfairly marginalized. The recent local elections resulted in claimed victories for the PDP across 30 out of 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom, yet the chairmanship election in Essien Udim has come under scrutiny for its legitimacy.
Political tensions have arisen in Essien Udim, a stronghold for the PDP, due to the announcement of an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as the winner after an election commission ad hoc official initially declared the PDP candidate victorious. This reversal has led to allegations of political maneuvering, primarily to accommodate Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President from the APC, who hails from the same area.
Michael Afangideh, a prominent political figure in Essien Udim, expressed his belief to PREMIUM TIMES that the chairmanship was, in fact, won by the PDP, accusing the state party leadership of trading away Essien Udim’s victory to align with Akpabio’s interests ahead of the 2027 elections. “PDP won in all the wards,” Afangideh stated, further alleging that APC’s claims were politically motivated.
In a show of dissent, many local youths protested by blocking a major highway to voice their discontent with the electoral outcome. Afangideh, though unhappy, remarked that his advanced age—he is 106 years old—limits his ability to take action.
In response to the unrest and grievances discussed at a meeting with PDP members on Wednesday, Governor Eno indicated a strategy to honor the political weight of Akpabio by conceding Essien Udim to the APC as a gesture of respect. Eno pledged to provide compensation to the PDP candidates who missed out on local election victories through various appointments within his administration.
Subsequent to the meeting, a statement was issued by Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Enobong Uwah, announcing the appointments of nine individuals from Essien Udim as personal assistants to the governor, along with two special assistant roles from the area. Among those appointed were George Afangideh, son of Michael Afangideh, assigned as a personal assistant on protocol, and Theresa Afangideh who was named personal assistant on domestic issues.
Additionally, sources close to the situation reported that Governor Eno allocated approximately N20 million to facilitate a “peace meeting” for community leaders. The overall effort towards settling local tensions was estimated to reach over N50 million, with further monetary support contributed from Senator Akpabio to encourage reconciliation.
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